Koh Tao

Koh Tao (Turtle Island) is a small island of 21 square kilometres in the Gulf of Thailand, part of Surat Thani Province and accessible by ferry from Chumphon on the mainland or from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan to the south. The island has been internationally famous since the late 1990s as one of the world's best locations to learn scuba diving — over 100,000 people earn PADI Open Water certifications here each year, making it among the busiest dive-certification destinations globally. The combination of calm, protected bays, excellent shallow reefs ideal for beginners, abundant marine life, and prices roughly half those of comparable destinations elsewhere is the primary draw. More than 25 named dive sites surround the island; Chumphon Pinnacle (depth 24–40 metres) is the most celebrated for pelagic fish including whale sharks. Sail Rock, a mid-water pinnacle shared with Koh Phangan, is known for chevron barracuda schools, bull sharks, and encounters with whale sharks. PADI dive courses are available from over 50 registered dive schools on the island; a basic Open Water course costs around 9,000–11,000 baht and takes three to four days. Sairee Beach on the west coast is the main tourist hub — a 2-kilometre stretch of sand lined with guesthouses, dive schools, bars, and restaurants. Tanote Bay, Ao Leuk, and Mango Bay on the quieter east coast offer better snorkelling access and minimal crowds. The small hills of the island's interior reward exploration by scooter.